Parent approved

Museum Of Tropical Queensland

Get hands-on with the interactive displays at the Museum of Tropical Queensland where you and the tiny-tots will learn about the high-seas and yarns from the oldest living culture on Earth.

Kickin’ it with the kids?

Make sure these attractions are on the top of your list. Spark feelings of surprise and delight while letting their curious minds explore and learn.

DRIVE-IN THEATRES

Treat the kids to the big silver screen with a nostalgic trip to a drive in theatre. Visit Stardust Drive-In in the Burdekin or Tors Drive-In at Charters Towers.

KID-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES

Kids will be treated to outdoor play zones aplenty with many dedicated children's parks found right across Townsville North Queensland. Alma Bay on Magnetic Island is always a family-favourite, while Plantation Park in the Burdekin is a sure winner.

Get little bodies moving with an adventure to Outer Limits Adventure Fitness* or speed around the track at Pitstop Karting. *Group bookings apply

Waterparks

Barefoot luxury

Private island resort escapes, boutique hiking adventures, scenic helicopter tours, and sailing complete with personalised beach picnic experiences – indulge in a little luxury, you deserve it!

Billabong Sanctuary

Feeding a kangaroo and cuddling a koala must be every child’s dream, and with more than 50 native animals calling Billabong Sanctuary home, this is where their dreams can come true!

MINER’S COTTAGE

The Miner's Cottage located in Charters Towers is a mini museum that offers an experience set back in time - even try your hand at gold panning.

For family friendly walking trails see pages 64 - 67.

Get your splash on at one of three waterparks located in Townsville, Charters Towers and Ayr. Charters Towers and Ayr Waterpark opening late 2023.

Luxe Accommodation

Whether you like exclusive island lodging requiring heli-transfers and all-inclusive stays like - Orpheus Island Lodge; 5-star coastal properties like ARDO*; luxury experience set in the Outback like Kernow Charters Towers or opt for something a little more casual-meets-sophisticated like The Ville Resort-Casino or Peppers Blue on Blue Magnetic Island – there is an option for all guests looking to amp up the luxe-factor. *ARDO opening late 2023.

FOR LOVERS OF LUXURY –HERE’S A START TO YOUR LUXE-STAY

Fine Dining

You read that right! Townsville is home to three Chef-hatted restaurants including – Bridgewater, A Touch of Salt and JAM, and several other fine dining options – bringing the best of local produce to the silver platter.

Exclusive Activities

Bespoke and personalised is the name of the game with these exclusive experiences. From remote island hikes with Wild Hinchinbrook Adventures, personalised picnics with Beach Club Magnetic Island, or romantic sunset sails with Big Mama Sailing or Pilgrim Sailing Fly with Townsville Helicopters, Nautilus Aviation & Hinchinbrook Adventures.

Fine dining restaurants to raw breakfast bars, juicy tropical fruits to the freshest seafood and traditional Australian pub feeds, Townsville North Queensland’s dining culture is simmering with surprise and deliciously delightful.

Where to eat?

Palmer Street

Palmer Street is foodie heaven. Whether you’re craving Indian, Italian, Mexican, modern Australian, great steak or locally caught seafood, it’s all at your fingertips!

Palmer Street is also home to exclusive boutique shopping and Tiny Mountain Brewery.

FLINDERS STREET & CITY LANE

At the heart of Townsville’s nightlife is Flinders Street, offering an eclectic mix of restaurants, nightclubs, pubs and specialty bars

Try a glass of the local brew at Townsville Brewing Co., taste the best of Southeast Asia meets Retro wonderland at Buzuka, or venture into the New York-inspired City Lane for a lively atmosphere with plenty on offer.

GREGORY STREET & THE STRAND

The alfresco dining and its proximity to the beach makes Gregory Street and the Strand the perfect stop for a meal.

Kick start your morning with a breakfast bowl, treat yourself to some gelato following an afternoon swim, or refuel after some retail therapy along Gregory Street with fashion boutiques, quirky homewares and cocktail hideaways

Award-winning

Townsville is home to three Chef-hatted restaurants including –Bridgewater, A Touch of Salt and JAM, and several other fine dining options, including Miss Songs at The Ville, Shorehouse and Saltwater Restaurant on Magnetic Island – bringing the best of local produce to the silver platter.

Local brews

Daytime Brews

Take it hot or cold, Townsville North Queensland has the brew for you! With quirky cafes, cocktail hideaways and local beer, there’s something for all tastes.

Cultural Cuisine

With a rich history and diverse cultural influences, treat your taste buds to a range of unique international flavours. You’ll find an assortment of delicatessens – including JK’s Deli (Ingham) and Lou’s Food Emporium (Ingham) and Dal Santo’s Deli (Ayr) – thanks to the diverse Italian communities across our region.

For a taste of the world’s oldest culture, visit the Gudjuda Café in Ayr – with influences from the local bush tukka trail, and delicious local produce, this is a must do when exploring Plantation Park.

For relaxed dining options with a twist, head to The Rix in Charter Towers for some country hospitality, or go urban in Townsville with a visit to some city favourites, Courtyard, Shaw & Co or Cactus Jacks

Paddock To Plate

Local fishmongers take incredible pride in sourcing locally sustainably caught seafood. Trawlers based in Ingham and Townsville bring the freshest seafood to restaurants and eateries daily – sample our seafood from prawns, fish, crabs and more!

Breathe in cool mountain air and sample the scones at Herveys Range Heritage Tea Rooms. Coffee connoisseurs can try the infamous Kopi Luwak coffee bean – just don’t ask how it’s made before you taste it.

Home to an abundance of tropical fruits grown right here, tempt the taste buds with tangy treats year-round, thanks to our sunny climate. Try the exotic South American achacha fruit at the world’s largest commercial plantation of the fruits in the Burdekin, or sample Hinchinbrook’s rare varieties of Damree Honey. Don’t miss a visit to the iconic Frosty Mango, offering locally made ice-cream from fresh fruity produce. See Markets, page 85

Here are some of the unique cafes to kickstart the hunt for your morning cuppa. But this isn’t all – be sure to search online for cafes near you!

• Café Nourish

• CBar

• Claredale Pastures

• Dal Santos Continental Deli

• Grandma’s

• Gudjuda Café

• Herveys Range Heritage Tea Rooms

• Hoi Polloi

• JKs Deli

• Otto’s Fresh Food Market

• Scallywags

• Shaka

• Stock Exchange Café

• Whitbread’s Soft Drink and Cordial

Go ‘Green Caffeine’

Evening Brews

Cool off after a days adventure with this list of brews and bars. But this isn’t all – be sure to search online for watering hole near you!

• 237 Bar

• Buzuka

• Heritage Exchange

• Osk Cocktail Bar

• Quarterdeck and Splash Bar

• Railway Hotel

• Rambutan

• Tan Lines Distillery

• The Rix

• Magnetic Island Brewery

• Whitbred’s Soft Drink

• The Taphouse

• Tiny Mountain Distillery

• Townsville Brewing Co.

• Watermark GREEN CAFFEINE PARTICIPATING CAFES IN TOWNSVILLE

Download the Green Caffeen App and you're good to go! It is free to join the Green Caffeen movement as long as you return the cup once you're finished. Even if a re-useable coffee cup accidently makes it’s way back in your suitcase after your holiday, with over 750 participating cafes in Australia you can continue to use “Swap & Go” on the app even in your home city.

A recognised cultural capital of regional Australia, Townsville’s cultural and performing arts scene is part of the fabric of community life, with a variety of acts, live show s, and exhibitions regularly presented throughout the city’s creative spaces and galleries. And this extends to the regions – each offering unique and thought-provoking experiences.

See page 69 for further cultural experiences.

ZOOS, AQUARIUMS & MUSEUMS

Museum of Tropical Queensland

Townsville

Maritime Museum

Townsville

Army Museum

Townsville

Townsville Museum

Ayr Nature Display

Burdekin Machinery

Preservationist Society

Courthouse Museum

Ravenswood

Historic Ambulance Museum

Charters Towers

Zara Clark Museum

Charters Towers

Herbert River Museum

Billabong Sanctuary

Reef HQ Great Barrier Reef Aquarium*

Selina Magnetic Island (Wildlife Park)

REEF HQ GREAT BARRIER REEF AQUARIUM*

The world’s largest living coral reef aquarium, Reef HQ Great Barrier Reef Aquarium is home to charastmatic marine creatures, immersive exhibits and a Turtle Hospital. * Reef HQ Aquarium is currently closed for transformation. Please check www.reefhq.com.au for the latest updates.

From public murals dotted around Charters Towers, Burdekin and Townsville city. North Queensland’s love of the arts has been integrated into everyday life.

Venture through Townsville’s inner City Walking Trail to uncover astounding pieces amongst the streets and laneways. Ayr’s Heritage Town Walk to visit the granite and Living Lagoon Sculpture. In Ingham, you can explore the amazing 42m long mosaic art panels of Mercer Lane, created by more than 3,000 locals and visitors, which depicts the history of the local sugar cane industry.

DOWNLOAD THE STREET

ART WALKING TRAIL MAP FOR TOWNSVILLE

DOWNLOAD THE EYEJACK PHONE APP

If awe-inspiring landscapes and breathtaking views feature on your holiday list, then Townsville North Queensland is sure to impress. With diverse landscapes at every turn, it’s the perfect place to embrace nature, and let your active mind explore.

Check

Magnetic Island

NATIONAL PARK

Over two-thirds of Magnetic Island is classified as a National Park, but unlike most other tropical islands, Maggie is filled with eucalyptus woodlands and rocky foreshores. Hike to spectacular views along a network of bush tracks, explore the rocky granite headlands studded with hoop pines, or spend some time on one of 23 sun-soaked beaches while you take in the spectacular coastlines.

Orpheus Island

NATIONAL PARK

Part of the Palm Island Group and within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, Orpheus Island offers secluded, sheltered bays, spectacular fringing reefs and interesting geology within its 1,300 hectares of pristine National Park.

Wallaman Falls

GIRRINGUN

National Park

Experience the highest single-drop waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere at Wallaman Falls, just an hour west of Ingham. Hike to the base of the Falls and explore the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area of Girringun National Park, home to some of the oldest rainforests on earth.

Hinchinbrook Island

NATIONAL PARK

Stepping onto Hinchinbrook Island is like taking a step back to prehistoric times, with its rugged cloud-covered mountains, mangrove-lined channels and untouched wilderness. Only 40 people are permitted to camp on Hinchinbrook Island at any given time to protect the Island’s environmental biodiversity, giving visitors the best chance to truly immerse themselves in this natural playground.

Book your permits well in advance online at Queensland National Parks or by phoning 13 74 68.

Paluma Range National Park

As the southern gateway to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, escape to the cool mountain air and tranquility of the Paluma Range. Big Crystal Creek sits just 7km off the Bruce Highway and offers waterholes, large rocky outcrops to soak up some sunshine and natural rockslides. Further up the range, Little Crystal Creek is well known for its historic stone arch bridge (c.1930) overlooking some of the best freshwater swimming holes in the North, or trek further north along the highway to the spectacular Jourama Falls

Townsville Town Common Conservation Park And Cape Pallarenda

The Townsville Town Common is an ever-changing landscape, a series of dry saltpans in the winter months to a flourishing wetland following summer rains. The area is home to over 280 bird species and offers a number of trails spanning mountain tops, sandy beaches and coastal wetlands along Cape Pallarenda.

Bowling Green Bay

NATIONAL PARK

Rugged mountains rise from the wetlands, saltpans and mangroves of this coastal plain in the Mount Elliot section of Bowling Green Bay National Park, south of Townsville.

Alligator Creek descends in a series of cascades, deep pools and waterfalls to explore, or venture to the coast to Cape Bowling Green (Burdekin) to see Australia’s longest sand spit, extending over 14km.

WHITE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

(140km South-West of Charters Towers)

Spectacular white sandstone bluffs and gorges, seasonal wildflowers and exceptionally diverse habitats, ranging from lancewood forests to sand dunes, make this outback park truly unique.

Townsville

ANDERSON GARDENS

Townsville’s largest botanic garden, with tropical trees, palms, grand avenues and the World Cycad Collection covering 25 hectares

QUEENS GARDENS

Heritage-listed, the oldest botanical garden in Townsville (1870), Queens Gardens offers a quiet, cool retreat from the city centre with its lush green oasis set against Castle Hill.

DISCOVER

MORE WALKING & CYCYLING TRAILS LITTLE CRYSTAL CREEK

WHITE BLOW CONSERVATION PARK

A milky quartz outcrop, locally known as White Blow, is a prominent feature of the park, which protects unique geological features and open woodland forest.

PALMETUM

A 17-hectare display offering some of the most diverse public collections of palms in the world. In addition to the recreated habitat zones, there are expansive lawns and water features frequented by numerous bird species. Collect a ‘Birds of the Palmetum’ brochure at the Tumbetin Lodge cafe

JEZZINE BARRACKS

Wander the outdoor art gallery on the Garabarra headland at the Jezzine Barracks to discover sculptures by local First Nations artists. Take a stroll along the coastal boardwalk and walk in the footsteps of the First Australians.

Throw caution to the wind and lace up your best hiking boots or pump up the tyres to take your adventure off the beaten track. Immerse yourself in unspoilt nature from trails to multi-day hikes – let’s do this!

Short walks & trails

BANGGURRU WALK

Easy

800m return 45 minutes

Wallaman Falls lookout, Hinchinbrook

Hike to the banks of Stoney Creek

DJYINDA WALK

Moderate

3.2km return 2 hours

Wallaman Falls lookout, Hinchinbrook

Explore the base of Australia’s highest single drop waterfall

WITT’S LOOKOUT

Moderate

3km return 2 hours

Paluma Village

Meander through the rainforest to a rocky outcrop

BIRTHDAY CREEK FALLS

Moderate

1km return 1 hour

Paluma Village

Take a dip in the picturesque cascades

MOUNT INKERMAN NATURE TRAIL

Easy

3.1km return 1.25 hours

Mount Inkerman, South Ayr Lookout, wildlife and child friendly

JOURAMA FALLS TRACK

Moderate

3km return 1 hour

Jourama Falls camping area, Paluma

Spot wildlife while taking in views over the Falls

BALD ROCK TO MOUNT MARLOW

Moderate

5km return 2–3 hours

SHELLY COVE TRAIL

Easy

1.5km return 1.5 hours

Cape Pallarenda Conservation Carpark, Townsville

Visit secluded Shelly Beach via a World War II access road, mountain bike friendly

SMEDLEY’S TRAIL

Moderate

6.8km return 3 hours

Off the Under the Radar Track, Cape Pallarenda, Townsville

Stunning views around the headland, mountain bike friendly

CUTHERINGA TRACK

Moderate

2.2km return 1.5 hours

Base of Castle Hill Road, Townsville

Follow the cliff edge with stunning views

GOAT TRACK

Moderate

1.3km return 1 hour Hillside Crescent, base of Castle Hill, Townsville Steep climb to raise the heart rate, 1,300 steps to the stop

THE FORTS WALK

Moderate

4km return 1.5 hours

Forts Walk Car Park, Magnetic Island

360-degree views, koalas in the trees above and World War II fortifications

HAWKINGS POINT

Easy

1.2km return 1 hour

Picnic Street, Magnetic Island

Arthur Bay

Easy

1.4km return 30 minutes

Forts Walk Car Park, Magnetic Island

Discover some of the Island’s most secluded and pristine beaches, perfect for swimming, snorkelling and relaxing

Wumbu Forts To Florence

Moderate 3km one way

1.3hrs one way

From the top of the Forts Circuit, link to the track that heads straight down the hill to Florence Bay.

Towers Hill Circuit

Easy

3.7km 1 hr

Towers Hill, Charters Towers

Historic sights and mountain bike friendly, wildlife.

ROSS RIVER RIVERWALKS

Easy

5.9km circuit

Riverway Drive

Overlooking the beautiful Ross River and is a great place to view the prolific birdlife in this area.

A Ross Rivery Parkway Guide can be found on the TCC website.

MOUNT LOUISA

WALKING TRACK

Easy

3.5km return 1-2 hours

Mount Louisa, Townsville

Stunning views across Townsville

MOUNT STUART

15.1km return 5 hours

Mount Stuart, Townsville

BURDEKIN CHARTERS TOWERS

Townsville Town Common

360-degree views from the summit of Mount Marlow

Large boulder outcrop with spectacular views

360-degree views over Picnic Bay

Mountain bike friendly